School Employee Misconduct Complaints Hit Record Number

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A new report shows a record number of allegations of wrongdoing against city school employees last year.

The office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the Department of Education handled over 4,000 complaints. That's more than double the number in 2002 when Michael Bloomberg became mayor.

The New York Times says the office found cause to begin 795 investigations. It substantiated accusations in 247. Of those, 57 accusations involved sexual misconduct.

The commissioner, Richard Condon, also received complaints about fraud, test-tampering, theft of money and conflicts of interests. Condon told the Times the rise in complaints was likely due to increased awareness about misconduct, particularly regarding sexual offenses, and streamlined reporting systems that allow individuals to file complaints online.

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott has ordered a review of past cases of sexual misconduct. He's moved to fire more than a dozen teachers previously accused.